Got a four-wheel-drive vehicle and an extra towel or two? You’ll need high clearance to navigate the last 2.5 miles of dirt road leading to the Codfish Creek Falls trailhead between Weimar and Foresthill in Placer County’s Auburn State Recreation Area. (The towels are for wiping Pete’s muddy paws.)
Getting there is part of an adventure that continues with an easy walk for about 1.2 miles along an old mining trail hugging the grassy slopes above the North Fork of the American River. Pay attention in this area, and you’ll spy mounds of dredged tailings on the riverbanks—and mounds of brilliant orange poppies and purple lupine, too.
The well maintained path turns right at Codfish Creek and continues in the shade for another quarter-mile to the falls, which spill 60 feet down a steeply sloped stream bed. At this time of year, you’ll get full green on the grass, full gush on the cascade and a wildflower show, besides. Pick up a trail brochure at the marker about a quarter-mile from the trailhead, or download one before you go to better appreciate the flora and fauna to be enjoyed along the way.
